Sleepless San Diego's message of hope

Over the past several years, homelessness in San Diego County has continued to grow, even as the coalition of nonprofit organizations and social service agencies reach out to the general public and into the streets to find solutions. Today, the county’s homeless population has increased by nearly 20 percent compared to 2007. On one night in January, more than 9,000 people were counted sleeping on the streets or in the county’s temporary shelters. This does not take into account the many individuals and families who remain homeless yet uncounted – people living in their cars, with friends and family, or in canyons out of view of the general public.

At the San Diego Rescue Mission, we estimate that the number of unsheltered homeless in San Diego County well exceeds 5,000. We know these people; they come to our doors every day seeking help. Each year we provide nearly 120,000 nights of shelter for men, women and children in need and serve more than 600,000 hot, nutritious meals. Perhaps most importantly, San Diego Rescue Mission dedicates more than 82,000 hours each year to education, work training, rehabilitation and Christian care to the residents in its long-term care programs.

On Sept. 24 and 25, the mission will hold its 5th Annual Sleepless San Diego event to increase awareness of the homeless and provide a forum for the community to get involved in changing lives. This all-night sleep out raises awareness of homelessness, educates San Diegans on ways they can help those on the streets, and generates funds to help thousands of local homeless men, women and children put their lives back together.

This year, we recognize the changing face of homelessness. More than ever, we are seeing families and children suffering from poverty due to job losses and home foreclosures that have resulted from the nation’s financial crisis. In San Diego, the unemployment rate remains at double digits, and the cost even to rent – well over $1,200 for the average one-bedroom apartment – makes it a challenge for families suffering from long-term unemployment, medical bills or family breakups to remain housed. There are many more San Diegans living paycheck to paycheck, with the prospects of homelessness looming heavily.

About 20 percent of homeless San Diegans are veterans. Most recent veterans are single white men, but the number of homeless women vets is increasing. The older homeless vet is more likely to be African-American or Latino than the rest of the homeless population. Most have served in Vietnam and the years following, but one-third are veterans of conflicts elsewhere. The number of homeless children is astounding. According to the 2011 San Diego County Office of Education count, 13,204 students in the county were defined as homeless at some point this year. Some have been emotionally, physically or sexually abused. About 40 percent of our county’s homeless population is made up of families. Three out of four children in those families are elementary-school aged.

Since 1955, San Diego Rescue Mission has provided sanctuary and hope for the homeless. Over the years, it has adapted and expanded to address the evolving demands for service. Long-term rehabilitation and restorative programs, emergency shelter for women and children, and a recovery center for the homeless leaving the hospital are just some of the programs through which the mission gives people the tools to escape the streets.